Empowering Higher Education Through User-Centred Transformation
User-centred transformation in higher education involves designing and implementing changes that prioritise the needs, expectations, and feedback of students, faculty, and administrative staff. This method ensures that technological and procedural upgrades enhance the usability and relevance of university systems, such as daily academic and administrative activities.
The Importance of User-Centred Transformation in Higher Education
As higher education is increasingly viewed as a customer-oriented service, universities must meet the escalating expectations of their stakeholders. User-centred transformation is about technological enhancement and is a comprehensive approach to change. It incorporates the user's perspective into the very core of institutional operations, boosting engagement and satisfaction.
The Changing Expectations of Students
The perception of higher education has shifted from being a privilege to a significant financial investment. Today’s students expect value for their money, which means enhanced services, responsive curricula, and seamless technology integration into their educational experience. Universities that overlook these demands risk losing potential students to institutions that prioritise student satisfaction and engagement.
Spotlight on Real-Life Transformations
University of Strathclyde:
The University of Strathclyde has significantly improved student engagement and administrative efficiency through targeted digital initiatives. This includes developing student-focused apps and platforms based on extensive student feedback. Using agile methodologies, these digital solutions are continuously refined to remain relevant and effective. The integration of these technologies supports holistic student support and engagement, with potential for wider application to enhance communication between students and university staff (Strathprints).
The University of Exeter:
The University of Exeter's 2030 Digital Strategy is pioneering a user-focused approach to digital transformation, prioritising inclusivity, connectivity, and digital excellence in higher education.
Developed collaboratively, Exeter's strategic approach enhances experiences, streamlines processes, and expands the university's reputation by integrating digital solutions tailored to student needs and institutional goals.
The strategy includes streamlining online education platforms to ensure easy access to enrolment and resources, and initiating the University of Exeter App to improve daily campus interactions based on direct student feedback.
Additionally, employing agile methodologies allows for the rapid testing and iteration of digital services, ensuring the university adapts swiftly to user feedback and evolving needs.
Contributing significantly to these efforts, Chris Frost has recently joined the team as the University’s Director of Digital, a placement facilitated by Global Resourcing, marking a pivotal step in advancing these digital initiatives.
How Global Resourcing Can Assist
Global Resourcing specialises in assembling teams that lead and maintain user-centric transformations in higher education. Our experts are skilled in understanding and integrating the nuanced needs of university communities, ensuring that digital transformations align with and advance the institutional mission, thus improving both student outcomes and operational efficiency.
In today’s competitive educational environment, universities that place their students and staff at the heart of their transformation strategies not only survive but excel. For a highly relevant example of our approach and experience of working with a specific HE client over long-term read our case study with the University of Sussex or our e-prospectus here.
Connect with Global Resourcing to empower your journey. Contact Global Resourcing.